I received a call from WABC Eyewitness News this week. They wanted to interview me, and explained that Westchester County
had taken out a series of newspaper advertisements to try and shame "deadbeat dads" into paying their child support. Their
reporter had seen my father's rights Web page and blog, and wanted my opinion on whether or not the ads would be effective.
I was torn about doing an interview. On one hand, I was afraid I would embarrass the people closest to me - guilt by association,
but on the other I had an opportunity to tell the public about my reality. I had a chance to explain that many "deadbeat"
dads are really "dead broke," struggling mightily just to maintain a single room and a shower. I reluctantly agreed to the
interview.
The journalist asked my opinion on the ad. I said I believed the ads would be ineffective in retrieving any money from
the men pictured in them. I believe these advertisements are aimed at voters, not "deadbeat" dads. This type of advertising,
known in public relations circles as a "shame campaign," serves only the savvy politicians who put it forward couched as a
"public service."
Had County Executive Andrew Spano spent the 64,000 Westchester tax dollars giving below poverty-level, non-custodial fathers
minimum-wage jobs (which he could then garnish) calling other non-custodial fathers to urge them to start paying arrears,
I would be far less skeptical about the real aim of these election year "public service" ads.
There is over $1 billion owed in child support arrears in the United States today. Of the tens of thousands of fathers
who owe these arrears, it is estimated that 44-percent of them live below the poverty line, and almost 11 percent are currently
serving time in correctional or mental health institutions. There are no services - none, for non-custodial
fathers in Westchester County. By contrast, there are dozens of agencies and organizations operating within the county for
single mothers, mothers in crisis, and mothers who need free legal help.
Until Westchester taxpayers realize the need for family law reform and parental equality within the family court system,
cynical politicians will continue to hide their wasteful and contemptuous "Vote for Me" ad campaigns, behind serious issues
that can't be addressed by a newspaper ad. Mr. Spano, $64,000 is a lot of tax money. Next time, please use it more efficaciously
to help children and their parents - instead of your political career.
The writer, a White Plains resident, is president, American Fathers Equal Rights Association.
